When I was told about the product Norshire, a multi-functional portable gadget that can even wash your car, I didn’t believe it. But I believe it now.
The 4-in-1 kit also has a power bank, jump starts your car and has a warning sign system.
The Norshire system’s main piece of hardware, which is essentially the control center, measures 9.5-inches round by 2.75-inches deep and weighs around 3 pounds so it’s portable and compact to keep tucked away in your trunk or under a seat.
A power button is on the side with USB ports and a USB connection for charging the Norshire with the included cable and AC connection. It’s made of ABS material and resistant to shock and high temperature, according to a recent company press release.
The warning system is something you think you’ll never need until you need it. On the back, there’s a reflective triangle, which you can stand up sideways to alert oncoming motorists during a roadside emergency.
Inside the Norshire is a built-in 11000mAh lithium battery power bank, which in this day and age, has an endless amount of uses. With its pair of built-in USB ports, you can power smartphones, tablets, computers, cameras or most any portable USB charging device. If you have portable emergency lights (not included) with you during a breakdown, they can be plugged in to assist your safety during a roadside emergency.
The 11000mAh should be enough to charge a smartphone several times and a digital camera at the same with, with more than enough power left to do it again. Using it during a camping trip will let you power up some portable cooking devices, fans and sound systems.
A set of jump starter clamps, with a 9-inch cable, is also included. The clamps have a connection on the other end of the cable to plug right into the 12V connection on the Norshire battery.
When you connect the cable to the battery, you’ll notice one of the connections is round and the other has a flat side, which ensures you can’t connect them wrong. Once the cables are connected, place the battery close by and you’re set up to jump start your car from home or any location where your car battery fails you.
Fortunately, I didn’t have a dead car battery (I know I’m jinxing myself) to test this, but I’ve tried other portable battery systems, so I have no reason to believe this one won’t work just as well.
The car wash system is what I loved about it and really makes this gadget unique. Accessories included to make this happen is a washer gun, hose attachments, and a foaming bottle. It’s obvious how you connect everything but to be safe, follow the directions to ensure it’s correct. The whole setup takes about a minute.
Assuming you have the battery fully charged, you can wash away for up to an hour.
Some features of the car wash system: the washer gun has three presets — spray brush, spray gun and high-pressure mode, which make it helpful depending on what part needs the cleaning. Obviously, you need some water and a bucket (not included) to work with the Norshire setup.
The cleaning system isn’t limited to your car. Windows or outside furniture are among endless dirty suspects you can clean up. Let’s just say my patio furniture hasn’t looked as clean since the day it was purchased.
Remember, just like any other portable electronic device, the key to the system is keeping the Norshire charged, which can take a few hours with a battery this powerful.
www.norshire.com $99
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I’ve been a big fan of Honeywell Lyric home security cameras because they are simple to set up and work well. Now they got even better and easier to use with a newly updated app.
If you have your smartphone set to auto-update the app is probably already updated, otherwise, go to the app store and you’ll see it there. The new and free Honeywell Home app replaces the Lyric app with a new look and easy control of your security system.
The app controls Honeywell’s smart home devices including cameras, thermostats and water leak detectors.
New to the app is the Honeywell Membership, which lets customers choose from two video storage plans for their Lyric C1, C2 cameras, which can be added to the free 24-hour storage already provided for up to 50 clips.
The new plans include the standard plan for $4.99 per month for 1 camera and up to 1500 clips, the premium plan is $14.99 for 60 days for multiple cameras and up to 3000 clips.
Overall, the app has a user-friendly interface, with button and controls very easy to understand.
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Contact Gregg Ellman at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greggellman
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